Congratulations to the ten Ellenville Junior/Senior High School World Language students who demonstrated their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a second language by showcasing their work for The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB). The presentations, which took place on April 30 in the Junior/Senior High School Media Center, marked the ultimate step in the students' quest to earn the NYSSB.
While the merit is generally accorded to seniors, this year, four juniors opted to apply for the distinction early. They will also wear medallions when they graduate in 2026!
The presentations were the culmination of the students' years of dedication to learning a second language. The students tackled challenging issues including gun violence, immigration, fossil fuels, access to healthcare, the role of women in society, child labor, banned books, the death penalty, indigenous communities, and global literacy rates. All students utilized their language skills to communicate about complex subjects. Senior Fouad Sakr flexed his trilingual abilities presenting in both Spanish and Arabic.
The presentations were made to a distinguished panel including Kerry Galloway (Instructional Supervisor), Carl Bueti (ENL teacher), Dr. Eliezer Espinosa (languages other than English [LOTE] teacher), Sonia Galindo-Garcia (LOTE teacher), Tanya Allen (Guidance Counselor), Principal Carl Pabón, and NYSSB coordinator Angeles Onis.
Superintendent Lisa Wiles offered praise to the students, saying, "I am extremely proud of you. I can't tell you how warm my heart is to see the work happening, how committed you are, and the knowledge you bring to your peers and adults here."
Kudos to these hardworking bilingual (and trilingual!) Blue Devils:
Seniors: Jisela Cruz, Fouad Sakr, Kalel Hull, Maverick Johnson, and Ana Arbelaez
Juniors: Vanessa Maciel, Alyssa Shaikh, Melane Perez Perez, John Henry, and Lyla Denman
The NYSSB honors students who demonstrate language proficiency and cultural awareness. These students will receive special seals on their diplomas and medallions at graduation, recognizing their exceptional achievement in mastering multiple languages while engaging with important global issues.
Note: John Henry is not pictured as he presented at a later date.